In a heartwarming gesture of compassion, Isiolo County’s First Lady, Habiba Guyo, has stepped in to secure a future for a bright but financially disadvantaged student.
Habiba Abdi, a determined young woman from Bulapesa, had been on the verge of giving up her dream of pursuing a medical career due to financial constraints.
Thanks to the intervention of the First Lady, she will now be joining the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Embu Campus, on March 25, 2025, to study Medical Laboratory Science.
A Dream Nearly Lost
Habiba Abdi’s story is one that resonates with many talented students from marginalized backgrounds.
Despite scoring a commendable B (Plain) in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations at Waso Secondary School, her journey to higher education was threatened by her family’s financial struggles.
As the deadline for college admissions loomed, anxiety gripped the Abdi household.
Her father, Abdi Wako, a tuk-tuk driver living with disabilities, had exhausted every possible avenue to secure funding for his daughter’s education.
Despite his unwavering commitment to his family—including three other school-going children—the weight of financial burden seemed insurmountable.
“Had I hidden my problem, my daughter would have probably missed out on joining college,” Wako reflected, his voice a mix of relief and gratitude.
He admitted that sleepless nights and despair had become his reality, fearing that his daughter’s dreams would slip away.
A Timely Lifeline
In a final desperate attempt, the family reached out to Isiolo’s First Lady, Habiba Guyo.
To their surprise and immense relief, she responded positively, taking up the matter personally.
The First Lady not only cleared the college fees but also facilitated arrangements to ensure the student’s smooth transition to campus life.
Speaking with deep emotion, the young student expressed her profound gratitude:
“My name is Habiba Abdi, and I come from Bulapesa. We had sought support from the First Lady regarding my college admission. My dream was to work in the health sector and pursue Medical Laboratory Science.” Habiba stated.
”Today, that dream is becoming a reality. The First Lady has paid my fees, and I shall now be joining KMTC Embu. I am elated beyond words and cannot thank her enough for coming through for me at this difficult time for my family.” She added gleefully.
Her father echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that parents facing financial difficulties should never be ashamed of seeking help.
He likened hiding financial struggles to the outdated practice of concealing children born with disabilities, urging society to embrace openness and seek support when needed.
A Commitment to Education
When asked about her motivation for stepping in, the First Lady underscored her deep empathy for students, especially girls, who miss out on opportunities due to financial hardship.
She affirmed that no bright child should be denied education because of lack of fees.“I could not stand by and watch a bright girl lose her chance to join college,” she stated.
“This was a personal initiative, but my husband’s administration is committed to ensuring that no student from Isiolo County is left behind due to financial constraints. We are actively working on a comprehensive bursary program to support more students in need.”
Her intervention not only changed the course of Habiba Abdi’s life but also highlighted the broader issue of educational accessibility in Isiolo County.
Many students in the region face similar struggles, and initiatives like this serve as beacons of hope for families grappling with poverty.
Community Effort and Gratitude
Beyond the First Lady’s direct intervention, the success of Habiba’s transition to college was a collective effort.
Wako extended his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed in various ways—whether by providing transport for the long journey to Embu or assisting with fuel and other necessary amenities.
As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, Wako offered a special prayer for the First Lady, wishing her continued blessings and strength to help more disadvantaged students.
His gratitude was profound, reflecting the relief and joy of a father who had feared his daughter’s dreams would remain just that—dreams.
A New Chapter Begins
As Habiba embarks on her medical training journey, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of compassion and community support.
It also underscores the urgent need for structured financial aid programs to ensure that bright but underprivileged students can pursue higher education without uncertainty.
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For now, one girl’s dream is saved, and with continued efforts from leaders and the community, many more will follow in her footsteps, proving that no dream is too distant when society comes together to uplift its most vulnerable.
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